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Tracy
Tracy
Sep 03 2026
27Cambridge International School celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, marking more than three decades of providing quality English-medium education while remaining firmly rooted in discipline, character and values.
The school was founded in Matale in 1991 by educationist Mr. K. M. Sahabdeen, following his decision to take premature retirement from public service. At a time when international education in Sri Lanka was still relatively new and largely concentrated in Colombo, his vision was to make quality English-medium education accessible to children outside the capital.
The inspiration was also deeply personal. Unable to find the kind of English-medium education he wanted for his four-year-old daughter in Matale, Mr. Sahabdeen asked himself a simple question: “Why can’t I start an international school in Matale?”
That idea became Cambridge International School, which opened with 92 students and became the first international school in the Central Province and the 16th international school in Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on the milestone, Mr. K. M. Sahabdeen, Founder and Chairman, said, “When I started Cambridge in 1991, my wish was to give my daughter and the children of Matale access to a quality English-medium education. Thirty-five years later, I am deeply grateful to see how that vision has grown and touched thousands of lives. My greatest pride is seeing our students succeed while carrying with them the discipline, character and values on which Cambridge was built.”
Over the years, the Cambridge educational footprint expanded beyond Matale. A school was established in Nikaweratiya as a ten-year Corporate Social Responsibility initiative led by Mr. Sahabdeen’s late wife, Mrs. Misrul Nazeera Sahabdeen, Vice – Chairman, who was the live wire behind the growth and development of Cambridge, providing educational opportunities to children in an underserved community.
In 2005, his eldest daughter, Shanaz Nazreen Sahabdeen, established Cambridge International School in Anuradhapura, becoming the first international school in the North Central Province. The Cambridge identity subsequently expanded through franchise partnerships, extending its standards and educational philosophy to a wider network. More than 2,000 students have passed through Cambridge and its wider network over the years.While academic achievement has remained important, Cambridge has consistently placed equal emphasis on discipline, respect, ethics and character. Its students have come from different religious and cultural backgrounds, learning together in an environment that encourages mutual understanding and respect.
Today, under the leadership of Managing Director Shanaz Nazreen Sahabdeen, Cambridge is looking towards its next phase of growth, responding to a rapidly changing educational landscape while remaining committed to the principles on which it was founded.
Sharing her thoughts she stated, “Cambridge has been part of my life from a very young age, so carrying forward the legacy built by my father and late mother is deeply personal to me. As education evolves through technology, AI and a changing world, our focus is on preparing children for the future while keeping them grounded in strong values. As we celebrate 35 years, we look ahead with renewed purpose and a clear vision for the generations to come.”
As Cambridge International School marks 35 years, the milestone celebrates not only the growth of an educational institution, but also the generations of teachers, staff, parents, students and well-wishers who have contributed to its journey.
What began in 1991 as one father’s vision for his daughter has today become an educational legacy, one that continues to evolve while remaining true to the values on which it was built.
